One of the hidden gems on the stacked console that is the DS. The core of this series is its action packed mecha gameplay, and Custom Robo Arena(CRA) is no different. With millions of potential unique combinations each with their own unique playstyle to master, combined with the snappy, yet realistic controls/movement that promote thoughtful positioning, CRA always leaves me feeling like I can get better at it, even after having completed everything the game has to offer. In that regard, it’s very similar to fighting games, maybe that’s why I love it so much! But a eriously, I just can’t stress enough how satisfying and limitless the core gameplay of CRA is.
While I played through the game solo, I’d recommend playing through this game alongside a friend that you can challenge and play against frequently, as the story mode is passable at worst on its own. It does its job creating decently believable scenarios to thread each battle together, and it’s pretty obvious how much work and love went into the core gameplay compared to the story. The 2000s digimon-protag-esque character designs are quite lovable if you let yourself enjoy them(Dennis is literally me), but some people just can’t get over the… er, stylized overworld, and I don’t blame them for it, even if it’s a shame to let that overshadow the core gameplay in my opinion.
Overall, CRA is a really fun gem that always leaves me hungering for more with its addictive mech battles. While I think Custom Robo on the Gamecube has a better story mode and characters, if you’re up for some awesome mecha battle gameplay, I simply can’t recommend this game enough.
While I played through the game solo, I’d recommend playing through this game alongside a friend that you can challenge and play against frequently, as the story mode is passable at worst on its own. It does its job creating decently believable scenarios to thread each battle together, and it’s pretty obvious how much work and love went into the core gameplay compared to the story. The 2000s digimon-protag-esque character designs are quite lovable if you let yourself enjoy them(Dennis is literally me), but some people just can’t get over the… er, stylized overworld, and I don’t blame them for it, even if it’s a shame to let that overshadow the core gameplay in my opinion.
Overall, CRA is a really fun gem that always leaves me hungering for more with its addictive mech battles. While I think Custom Robo on the Gamecube has a better story mode and characters, if you’re up for some awesome mecha battle gameplay, I simply can’t recommend this game enough.